Skip to main content
Archived edition · August 17, 2026 Today's news →

What's happening in Europe?

Flag of Latvia

Latvia

News summary for

Go to today →

Critique 🗣️

New Drone Incursion, Presidential Sermon Sparks Debate

Latvia is grappling with a fresh security concern following reports of a drone entering its territory from Belarus. This incident comes after previous reports of a foreign drone being shot down and demolished, indicating ongoing challenges in airspace security.

Domestically, President Edgars Rinkēvičs has drawn criticism from publicist Lato Lapsa for a sermon delivered in Aglona, with Lapsa questioning the President's call for unity amidst the current security climate. Meanwhile, the financial strategies of the national airline, airBaltic, are under scrutiny, with critics alleging that its new 'business plan' is merely a veiled attempt at a debt bailout.

Other significant domestic news includes discussions on a long history of unfulfilled political promises, concerns over potential consumer overpayments for renewable energy, and the State Revenue Service's repeated losses in court cases, highlighting bureaucratic inefficiencies. On a positive note, Latvian singer Lauris Reiniks captivated thousands with a performance at the Dzintari stage.

Top stories

New Drone Incursion Reported

A drone reportedly entered Latvian territory from Belarus on Friday, triggering an investigation and raising fresh security concerns for the nation's airspace. This incident follows earlier reports of a foreign drone being shot down and subsequently demolished in recent days.

President Rinkēvičs Criticized Over Aglona Sermon

President Edgars Rinkēvičs has been criticized by publicist Lato Lapsa for a sermon delivered in Aglona, where the President reportedly advocated against hating enemies. Lapsa argues that such a message is hypocritical given the current security situation and the need for national resolve.

airBaltic's 'Business Plan' Scrutinized as Bailout

The management of the national airline airBaltic is facing criticism over its 'business plan,' which opponents argue is a thinly disguised restructuring effort aimed at writing off debts, raising significant concerns about the airline's long-term financial health and viability.

KNAB Director's Retirement and Criticism

Jēkabs Straume, the former Director of the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB), retired on August 1, 2026. His tenure and the bureau's operations have recently come under criticism, with one article detailing alleged secretive methods employed during his career.

Declining Influence of NGOs

Concerns are being raised about the diminishing influence and activity of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Latvia, with a significant number of registered but inactive organizations, prompting questions about their overall societal impact.

News sources